TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The 14 newest members of the Florida State baseball team attended the first day of classes today, including several drafted players who passed on Major League offers to become Seminoles.

“I’m very pleased with the group we have coming aboard,” said head coach Mike Martin. “Jamey Shouppe (recruiting coordinator/pitching coach) has done another excellent job. They are a talented group and we are very excited to get them on the field.”

One of the new FSU freshmen is Tony Richie, regarded as one of the top prep catchers in the country last season. Richie, who attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, FL, played with the USA Junior National Team over the summer. He was a fifth round draft pick (142nd overall) of the Chicago White Sox.

Right-handed pitcher Marc LaMacchia (Palm Harbor, FL) was an 18th round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals and is one of four new Seminole pitchers. Justin Lord (RHP, Chipola JC), Trent Peterson (LHP, Florida HS) and Brent Pearson (RHP, North Florida CC) are set to join LaMacchia on the FSU staff.

Two signees played at nearby Tallahassee Community College – Nick Rogers (OF) and Scott Toole (middle IF). Rogers was the 2000 Panhandle Conference Player of the Year and left TCC as the school’s all-time home run leader. Toole played high school baseball at The Bolles School in Jacksonville and will be one of several players battling for the starting job at second base vacated by former FSU All-American and current Oakland Athletic Marshall McDougall.

As expected, three-year starters Brett Groves (SS) and Karl Jernigan (CF) returned for their senior seasons. Groves was a 22nd round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins and Jernigan was a 41st round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics this summer.

The Seminoles open the 2001 season at home on February 3rd against Western Kentucky. Since Florida State finished as the top ranked team in the state last season, they will have an opportunity to play the Florida Marlins in an exhibition game on March 1st in Melbourne, FL.